Abkhazia is a very young country; only a few states have recognized its sovereignty. For the rest of the world, Abkhazia continues to be a part of Georgia. On the territory of Abkhazia, the general Caucasian flavor is clearly manifested, but at the same time this country has its own customs and characteristics.
History of Abkhazia
According to archaeologists, primitive people of the Paleolithic period settled on the territory of modern Abkhazia. On the basis of these settlements in the VI century. BC e. the ancient Greeks founded the colony city of Dioscuria. In 65 BC. e. the area was conquered by the Romans and erected the fortress of Sebastopolis, now there is the capital of Abkhazia, the city of Sukhum.
In the VI century A. D. e. Abkhazia is part of the Byzantine Empire and the Christianization of the population begins. The Abkhazian kingdom is formed, which also captures part of western Georgia.
The increased influence of Turkey in the 16th century and the spread of Islam are accompanied by the destruction of religious values and provoke popular uprisings. In 1809, the Abkhazian prince turned to Russia with a request for patronage and protection. On February 29, 1810, Emperor Alexander I issues a manifesto on the annexation of the Abkhazian principality to Russia.
Modern Abkhazia
As part of the Russian Empire, and then in the RFSSR, Abkhazia is actively developing its economy and culture. The country became part of Georgia as a sovereign republic. When Georgia seceded from the USSR in 1990, Abkhazia expressed a desire to remain in the Union.
Territorial and property disputes with Georgia resulted in an armed confrontation. The hostilities ended in 1994 with the intervention of the UN. Since 2001, Abkhazia has been striving to join the CIS as an associated state within Russia. Georgia and Western countries still have not recognized the independence of the state.
Climate and sights of Abkhazia
Perhaps the main value of Abkhazia is the Black Sea and mountains. The climate of the Mediterranean subtropics, pristine pebble beaches and an abundance of architectural monuments attract travelers and tourists from all over the world.
Gagra, Pitsunda and New Athos are world-famous resorts. The purest healing air and mineral springs have provided Abkhazia with the title of a balneological health resort.
The New Athos Monastery and the Kaman Temple are the objects of Christian pilgrimage. The New Athos Cave is the most amazing natural wonder of the Caucasus. A special railway leads deep into the Iverskaya Mountain; 6 out of 11 halls of the cave are open to visitors.
A special pride of Abkhazia is the high-mountainous lake Ritsa, whose waters never freeze, and the depth reaches 150 meters. On the way to the lake, you can admire the waterfalls, which are associated with many local legends, inspect the ruins of the ancient fortress of Khasan-Abaa and see with your own eyes that the Blue Lake is called a natural sapphire not just for a word of mouth, but for the unique, saturated color of water.
Features of Abkhazia
The laws of hospitality are sacred for the Abkhaz. The guest is considered "bringing seven happiness" and the whole life in the house will be centered around him. It is impossible to thank for the received reception with money, it will offend the owners. During plentiful feasts, it is necessary to get up when a new person enters the room.
Abkhazian wine is the pride of the people, but no more than three liters per person can be taken out of the country. You can get to Abkhazia only through the territory of Russia, the nearest airport is in Adler. For Russian citizens, a valid civil passport will be sufficient, foreigners will need a Russian transit visa.
